Apple is partnering with game developer Valve to develop an augmented reality headset that may be launched as soon as 2020

  • Apple may be partnering with game developer Valve to make an AR headset 
  • A prior report suggests Apple's AR headset will display texts, games, and more  
  • A major Apple analysts says the firm may release an AR headset in 2020  

By JAMES PERO FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: | Updated:

Apple is reportedly teaming up with the game developer, Valve, to design its first-ever augmented and virtual reality headset. 

According to a report from DigiTimes, the device could be released in the second half of 2020 and will be head-mounted.  

DigiTimes also reports that Apple will work with the Taiwan-based manufacturers Quanta Computer and Pegatron.

While DigiTimes' report didn't illuminate any hardware details or specs, a recent round of reports suggests the device will come equipped with several essential tools.

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent (pictured above) this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent (pictured above) this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

Bloomberg reports that the tech giant's upcoming augmented reality headset will be able to sync with one's iPhone to display maps, messages, games and email.

The company is also reportedly considering making its App Store accessible through hardware.

According to Bloomberg, the glasses will also come with holographic lenses that will likely serve as the technical backbone of the device and bring its AR experience to life by overlaying digital displays on real life.  

A recent patent application from the company suggests Apple is pursing a technology described as a 'Display Device' that uses a futuristic-sounding 'reflective holographic combiner.'

Apple seems to think that this holographic technology - which is apparently capable of reflecting light in one's environment - could more seamlessly blend objects rendered in the headset's display, increasing the depth-of-field and reducing the resulting eyestrain and nausea often associated with AR and VR technology.  

According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently hiring game developers and graphics designers to help pioneer the device category and even grooming the product as an potential replacement for one's iPhone. 

A recent research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a knack for correctly predicting Apple's forthcoming hardware, previously suggested the tech giant could have the glasses ready by the first half of 2020. 

Kuo's note also forecasts that Apple will be partnering with 'third-party brands' to design the headset. 

Likewise Facebook has reportedly partnered with Rayban to work on its own pair of augmented reality glasses in the coming one to two years. 

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AR AND VR?

Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or situation

  • It immerses the user by making them feel like they are in the simulated reality through images and sounds
  • For example, in VR, you could feel like you're climbing a mountain while you're at home

In contrast, augmented reality layers computer-generated images on top of an existing reality

  • AR is developed into apps to bring digital components into the real world
  • For example, in the Pokemon Go app, the characters seem to appear in real world scenarios

Bloomberg suggests that unlike Apple's headset, however, Facebook will not have augmented reality built-in, but will function similarly to Snapchat's Spetacles and work to place calls, take pictures, and more.

Kuo's predictions come on the heels of several other hints that Apple may be further along in its development of its first-ever AR glasses.

Last month MacRumors says it saw documentation of an internal iOS 13 build for what looks like support for an augmented reality headset.

Those documents showed evidence of what MacRumors reports is a mysterious 'STARTester' app which can switch to a head-mounted mode as well as code designed to run stereo-enabled AR apps that the outlet said implies the existence of a headset.

Documents also suggest that Apple may have a prototype of the device which is reportedly code-named 'Garta.'    


Most watched News videos